“Timaru Supervisor Sentenced to Community Work for Assaulting Worker”

A Timaru, New Zealand, worksite supervisor has been sentenced to 100 hours of community work after assaulting a worker during the Fraser Park redevelopment project.

Todd Dockerill, 33, threw a rake at a worker he was supervising and then punched him in the face during a heated altercation in July 2024.

The incident occurred while Dockerill and the worker were laying asphalt on a driveway at the park. According to court details, Dockerill made a degrading comment to the worker before swearing at him.

The situation escalated when Dockerill threw a rake from approximately 3 to 4 meters away, striking the worker in the upper back. As the worker turned to confront Dockerill, the supervisor grabbed him by the collar and punched him in the face, causing the worker to lose balance.

The victim sustained swelling and soreness to his face and back, though he was not seriously injured.

Judge Dravitzki, presiding at the Timaru District Court, noted that Dockerill’s position of authority heightened the seriousness of the offense. However, the judge accepted that the outburst was out of character and considered Dockerill’s willingness to engage in the restorative justice process.

In addition to the community work sentence, Dockerill was ordered to pay $500 in emotional harm compensation to the victim.

Despite the assault, Dockerill will be allowed to keep his job. Judge Dravitzki explained that while the offense was serious, Dockerill’s remorse and the lack of serious injury to the victim influenced the decision to impose community work rather than a harsher penalty.

This incident underscores the need for workplace safety and conflict management, particularly in high-pressure environments like construction. Dockerill’s case serves as a reminder of the serious consequences that can follow from momentary lapses in judgment.